It is estimated that 850 people attended the fifth annual Smoke on the Water event at Duck Mountain Provincial Park on August 3, topping the number for last year’s event.
Tallies are still being made and Robert Ritchie, a prime organizer, said final numbers will be released at a later date as to how much was raised for the proposed new KamKids Daycare facility and for the Park.
Last year the event raised $20,000 for the KamKids Daycare, with another $5,000 being donated to the Park.
“We are very pleased with the results of the event,” Ritchie said. “The weather co-operated once again, and our family-oriented site set-up provided a pleasant atmosphere.”
He estimated 600 meals were served.
As a fundraiser, money was generated through the sale of meals and beverages as well as donations from sponsors.
Again this year, two bouncy castles were set up for the entertainment of the younger crowd.
“Everyone seemed to have a great time,” Ritchie said, adding that no major problems were experienced.
The featured entertainer was once again Ryan Keown, who along with the Ryan Keown Band were the featured performers at last year’s event. Keown (pronounced Cowan), is a back-to-back winner of the Manitoba Country Music Association’s awards for best male artist and fans’ choice for 2016 and 17.
“The weather held for us again this year, and rain started at 2 p.m. just as we had loaded the last piece of equipment in the trailers,” he said.
This year Keown’s 15-year-old son, Austin Ryder, played the opening set for the Ryan Keown Band.
Members of the KamKids Daycare were on hand selling tickets for a draw for a trip to Vegas, which was drawn for that evening and won by Allan Schure of Manitoba.
“We raised $4,370 with this fundraiser to put towards a new KamKids Daycare,” said Tiffany Stone, KamKids executive director.
Winner of $695 in the 50/50 draw was Darin Gutzke of Francis.
James Turner and Serena Code of Innovative Outdoorsman Marketing of Regina were a new addition to the event planning team, spearheaded by James Perry and Robert Ritchie, and are helping with plans to make the event grow.
During the event, Ritchie acknowledged the sponsorship of local businesses that drive the event, and thanked all the volunteers who committed their time and effort to keep it going.
He also thanked Greg Podovinnikoff and crew of the Ministry of Parks for allowing the sanctioned event in the Park.
The menu for the supper, provided by Jared Ruf of In Good Taste of Togo, included award-winning smoked barbecue ribs and chicken shishliki, side dishes and desert bar.
Newlyweds Tyler and Mandee Kondra of Warman, on their honeymoon at Duck Mountain Provincial Park, attended the event and enjoyed the barbecue meal. “Delicious,” they both echoed.
Volunteers Reg Brewer and Kristen Johnson were driving the vehicles which were available for anyone wishing a ride to and from the event. Brewer drove a van with a 20-seat capacity, while Johnson drove a 12- seat capacity van, the use of which was donated to the event by the Clarion Hutterite Colony.
Security was provided by SecureForce of Regina, marking the fourth time the company has done the job.
James Pollock and a crew from the Duck Mountain Ambulance team were on-site to provide emergency medical aid.
The Kamsack RCMP and local conservation officers were manning check stops for the event.
